Beerometric

Typified by Guinness Stout, the style evolved from English porters and stouts.  The beer appears quite black but is generally lighter in alcohol and fairly creamy.

In the glass this beer is typically opaque and black, although some versions can lean towards dark brown, with a thick tan head of cream that sticks around.  The aroma should have an apparent roastiness, like coffee or cocoa, followed by softer chocolate.  If hops are present, low floral or earthy should be expected.  Try and find some low fruity esters as well.  Flavour isn’t much different, but with the addition of some roasted malt flavour, sometimes a touch of caramel. Fruity esters again are often part of the equation with some earthy hops.  Bitterness is medium to high and the finish will be rather dry, although the cork versions like Murphy’s tend to be sweeter in the balance.  The mouthfeel here should be creamy medium body, fairly low carbonation, and pretty smooth. Depending on the roasted grains look for a touch of astringency.